The 2026 World Cup is almost here, with the tournament set to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams, and fans in the UK will once again be able to follow the action across the BBC and ITV.
BBC Sport has published guidance on how viewers can watch the tournament, with coverage available through the broadcaster’s television and digital platforms. The BBC’s World Cup coverage will sit alongside ITV’s, giving supporters multiple ways to keep up with matches, highlights and key moments from the competition.
How UK fans can follow the tournament
With the World Cup spread across three host nations and a larger field than ever before, the schedule is expected to be busy and varied. The BBC has outlined how audiences can access its coverage, helping fans plan ahead for the tournament’s group stage and beyond. ITV will also show matches, ensuring the event is widely available to viewers in the UK.
The 2026 edition marks a major expansion for the World Cup, increasing from the traditional 32-team format to 48 sides. That change means more matches, more nations and more opportunities for fans to watch football’s biggest international tournament unfold across North America.
A record-breaking World Cup across North America
The United States, Canada and Mexico will share hosting duties for the first time in World Cup history. The tournament’s scale makes it one of the most ambitious sporting events ever staged, with games taking place in multiple cities across the three countries.
BBC Sport’s coverage page is designed to give fans the essential information they need ahead of kick-off, while also linking to broader World Cup coverage and updates. For supporters in the UK, the combination of BBC and ITV coverage means the tournament will be easy to follow on free-to-air television and online platforms.
As the countdown continues, attention is turning to the fixtures, the teams and the players who will compete for the trophy in 2026. With the tournament now just around the corner, the BBC and ITV are set to provide comprehensive access to a World Cup that promises to be bigger than any before it.
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